Abigail Valez
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Articles by Abigail Valez
ENC pulls out all the stops to celebrate Fourth of July
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Happy 247th birthday, America. People celebrated the country’s independence day with food, fun, parades and fireworks. Activities happened all over Eastern North Carolina and around the country. WNCT had team coverage of the big day with reports from Kinston, New Bern, Jacksonville and Greenville. FIREWORKS You’ve still got time to check out the many celebrations going on in Eastern North Carolina to celebrate Independence Day.
Greenville trauma support group hopes to expand after initial launch
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — After starting a peer-to-peer group on her own in Greenville, Laura Chignola is hoping to expand her program and build upon the success it has had in helping others and herself along the way. Chignola, is no stranger to trauma. After moving to Eastern North Carolina from New Jersey, Chignola realized there wasn’t a peer-to-peer group that she could join to continue her healing process from pain and addiction. So, she started her own.
Youth take flight as part of unique Greenville program
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The Pitt-Greenville Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol took flight early Saturday morning. The program allows cadets ages 12-15+ to operate jets and aircraft with trained pilots.
Craven County pickleball courts weeks away from opening to the public
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — Craven County Parks and Recreation is about four weeks away from completion on its new pickleball courts. The pickleball area will hold six courts in the new facility. According to Craven County Director of Parks and Recreation, Billy Wilkes, the department drafted a capital plan five years ago to add the courts. They received a total of $180,000 to invest in the development. The majority of the funds were from the county and the remainder from the Harold Bate Foundation.
New housing development in Bertie County will house future BCS teachers
WINDSOR, N.C. (WNCT) — Right now, 202 Martin Luther King Drive in Windsor is just an empty lot. In a year, it will be a new apartment complex. With three buildings and eight apartments per building, it will house future public school teachers in Bertie County. “There’s a housing shortage here in Bertie County, it’s hard for our teachers to find a place to live, most of our teachers have to travel from Greenville actually,” said Bertie High School Principal William W. Peele III.
New housing development in Bertie County will house future BCS teachers
WINDSOR, N.C. (WNCT) — Right now, 202 Martin Luther King Drive in Windsor is just an empty lot. In a year, it will be a new apartment complex. With three buildings and eight apartments per building, it will house future public school teachers in Bertie County. “There’s a housing shortage here in Bertie County, it’s hard for our teachers to find a place to live, most of our teachers have to travel from Greenville actually,” said Bertie High School Principal William W. Peele III.
Greenville United soccer team takes part in street-cleaning project
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — On Friday, it might be apparent that some streets are cleaner than usual. The Greenville United FC soccer team was cleaning litter and debris off of sidewalks on Thursday. The soccer team has partnered with Carolina Chicken and Waffles and Pitt Street Brewery for the clean-up. The team said this is an all-in effort to promote great character and values on and off the field.
Suspect in murder, arson case in Pamlico County has day in court
BAYBORO, N.C. (WNCT) — The suspect charged with murder, arson and two counts of animal cruelty in Pamlico County had his first court appearance on Wednesday. Jesse Ryan Cahoon, 41, of Merritt is charged with the murder of Samuel Valadez-Galdeano, 55, also of Merritt. Cahoon is also facing the arson charge in the fire at Fulcher’s Red Fox Stables in Merritt. A horse and donkey also died. Cahoon was arrested on Monday.
Ayden residents come together to build community garden
AYDEN, N.C. (WNCT) — If you live in Ayden, you’ll soon have a new way to grow and gather produce. A group of locals decided to build a new community garden to help provide items in a food desert. With help from the town, the garden is well underway. “it all started last year in a Facebook post. Pam Etheridge is part of the newest community garden. She said a comment was made in the Facebook Group “Ayden, What’s Happening” by a high school student calling on the town to make a community garden.
Greenville radio club participates in annual field day exercise to test emergency preparedness
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the National Field Day event this weekend. The event allows ham radio operators to test their skills and equipment by making as many contacts as possible within a 24-hour period using only emergency power. Its origin was a way to practice for emergencies, and while it still is, it has also turned into a national contest.
Symposium discusses minority men’s health, wellness
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — A free minority men’s health symposium was held at the Greenfield Terrace Park Friday evening. In addition to vendors that provided information, resources, and demonstrations regarding men’s health and wellness, the event also had a panel of guest speakers. The speakers ranged from local mental health advocates to religious leaders and retired medical physicians. The panel discussed past barriers. present concerns and future implications of minority men’s health.
City of New Bern seeking help for employees assistance program
NEW BERN, N.C (WNCT) – The City of New Bern is reissuing a request for other bidders to help continue its employee assistance program. The program provides professional services to employees that require help with troubles outside of work like mental health issues, addiction, and grief counseling. Users of the program are anonymous and could be written referrals in the case of extreme circumstances. “This is a benefit to employees and to the employer, and its not all employers that offer it.
Pitt County 4-H All-Stars host Juneteenth Celebration in Greenville
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — People of Pitt County gathered at Thomas Foreman Park in Greenville on Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth.
Are you prepared for hurricane season? ECU offers tips to keep you safe
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — If disaster struck today, would you be prepared? ECU Health held a hurricane preparedness event on Friday to show people what they should have in their emergency kits. Disaster specialist Stephanie Seals said the National Weather Service is predicting a very active storm season this year, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Kinston police: Suspicious package in vehicle found to be false alarm
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Several city and county agencies responded to an area of Kinston after a suspicious package was reported in a vehicle Friday morning. Officials said the package was found in a vehicle at 2430 N. Herritage Street in Kinston, which is the Enterprise Rent-A-Car location. Businesses in that area were evacuated. Residents were encouraged to avoid the area until further notice.
Big Rock blog, Day 4: Will we see a 500 lb. blue marlin today?
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCT) — The 65th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is over halfway complete. The big question isn’t whether a boat can top leader C-Student but whether a blue marlin more than 500 pounds will be caught. None of the fish caught so far have reached 500 pounds. The first boat that does that wins $739,500. In fact, of the seven blue marlins caught and weighed, three have been under the 400-pound limit.
Big Rock blog, Day 4: Will we see a 500 lb. blue marlin today?
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCT) — The 65th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is over halfway complete. The big question isn’t whether a boat can top leader C-Student but whether a blue marlin more than 500 pounds will be caught. None of the fish caught so far have reached 500 pounds. The first boat that does that wins $739,500. In fact, of the seven blue marlins caught and weighed, three have been under the 400-pound limit.
100 Deadliest Days: Greenville Police monitoring roads this summer but prove you never know what to expect
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Memorial Day to Labor Day marks the 100 “deadliest days” for drivers. It’s a time when more novice and distracted drivers are on the roads. In an exclusive interview and ride-along with the Greenville Police Department, they show us firsthand the calls they are receiving and how they respond. Officer Scott Venable said he’s acquired over 900 hours of training to get to where he is now.
100 Deadliest Days: Greenville Police monitoring roads this summer but prove you never know what to expect
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Memorial Day to Labor Day marks the 100 “deadliest days” for drivers. It’s a time when more novice and distracted drivers are on the roads. In an exclusive interview and ride-along with the Greenville Police Department, they show us firsthand the calls they are receiving and how they respond. Officer Scott Venable said he’s acquired over 900 hours of training to get to where he is now.
Jackie Robinson Baseball League welcomes new season, honors former player
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The Jackie Robinson Baseball League held its Opening Day ceremony Sunday at Thomas Foreman Park in Greenville. During the ceremony, the league retired the number 6, the number Jayceon Epps wore. He was nine years old when he was hit and killed trying to cross Memorial Drive on March 10. “Baseball was Jayceon’s passion,” said Jenica Arrington, Jayceon’s grandmother. “The love he had for this team, his coaches and his team members.
Jackie Robinson Baseball League welcomes new season, honors former player
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The Jackie Robinson Baseball League held its Opening Day ceremony Sunday at Thomas Foreman Park in Greenville. During the ceremony, the league retired the number 6, the number Jayceon Epps wore. He was nine years old when he was hit and killed trying to cross Memorial Drive on March 10. “Baseball was Jayceon’s passion,” said Jenica Arrington, Jayceon’s grandmother. “The love he had for this team, his coaches and his team members.
Kelly Wagner Lady Angler Tournament kicks off Big Rock week
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCT) — Lines in. The 26th Annual Kelly Wagner Lady Angler Tournament was held at Big Rock Landing at Morehead City on Saturday. The women-only tournament is a kickoff to the official 65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament that starts Monday. “We have a record-breaking tournament this year, we have 266 boats fishing (Saturday),” said KWLA Tournament director Carlee Sharpe.
Kelly Wagner Lady Angler Tournament kicks off Big Rock week
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCT)– Lines in. The 26th Annual Kelly Wagner Lady Angler Tournament was held at Big Rock Landing at Morehead City on Saturday. The women-only tournament is a kickoff to the official 65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament that starts Monday. “We have a record-breaking tournament this year, we have 266 boats fishing (Saturday),” said KWLA Tournament director Carlee Sharpe.
Pitt County Schools graduates earn about $17 million in scholarships
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — It was a big day for high school seniors in Pitt County as graduation ceremonies begin on Friday. Those moments come with a lot to celebrate, in addition to getting that diploma. Pitt County Schools Superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker said the class of 2023 has earned almost $17 million in scholarships to different colleges and universities. He said he’s happy to celebrate the accomplishments of graduates and he’s getting a head start on next semester.
Drag racing becoming bigger problem on certain Greenville streets
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — It’s possible that you may have heard tires screeching and engines revving in your area recently. Drag racing in residential areas has picked up since the unofficial start to the summer season began. Drag racing is a type of motor racing in which cars or motorcycles compete with each other to do tricks, and of course, race. Experts said that these races can be dangerous for residents and drivers.
Board of Commissioners approve 10.4% increase in funding for Greene County Schools
SNOW HILL, N.C. (WNCT) — The Board of Commissioners discussed their 2023 budget Monday night, which included a 10.4% increase for Greene County Schools. This comes after Governor Roy Cooper announced a state of emergency for North Carolina Public Schools, earlier last month. Greene Central High School Principal Dr. Patrick Greene said this came at a time when the district really needed it.
Science center in Greenville opens LGBTQ+ science exhibit
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — A Time For Science in Uptown is now displaying its new LGBTQ+ exhibit just in time for Pride Month. The exhibit highlights LGBTQ+ scientists and has fun activities for all ages to show their rainbow pride in a scientific way. “So this is the rainbow density experiment, where we have six different liquids and they’re separated by their density so the most dense is at the bottom,” said Elliott Hickerson, A Time For Science program specialist.
Market at Town Common is back on Wednesday
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Uptown Greenville’s Market at the Town Common is back for its next event. If you didn’t get the chance to go last month, now is your chance. There are some new and exciting to check out while you’re there. “A lot of community members came out, we are estimating a couple hundred people were out at the market and enjoyed the food truck and all the different vendors,” said Ashley Gaskins, City of Greenville, communication and marketing assistant.
North Carolina business recovers after food truck was stolen two years ago
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Mama y Papa’s Taqueria food truck was stolen two years ago out of Kinston. Now, they are on the road to recovery and trying to reestablish themselves in Eastern Carolina. “I went over to the diner over in Kinston where our commissary and food truck was parked, rolled in and it wasn’t there,” said JePaul Woolard about the time when he learned the food truck had been stolen. CLICK HERE to see their Instagram page He and his girlfriend, Natasha, own and operate the business.
Mama y Papa’s Taqueria recovers after food truck was stolen two years ago
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Mama y Papa’s Taqueria food truck was stolen two years ago out of Kinston. Now, they are on the road to recovery and trying to reestablish themselves in Eastern Carolina. “I went over to the diner over in Kinston where our commissary and food truck was parked, rolled in and it wasn’t there,” said JePaul Woolard about the time when he learned the food truck had been stolen. CLICK HERE to see their Instagram page He and his girlfriend, Natasha, own and operate the business.
Hundreds gather for RADD event in Lenoir County
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) – The second annual charity motorcycle Ride for Raising Awareness for the Developmentally Disabled (RADD) is a three-part event. It began Saturday morning in Winterville at the Boneyard Harley Davidson and ended at Grainger Stadium in Kinston. It also gave those who might not normally play baseball a chance to run the bases at the stadium alongside the Kinston Wood Ducks.
Get ready: Duke Energy increasing rates by 4.8 percent starting Thursday
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Duke Energy customers’ rates will be increasing by 4.8 percent starting this Thursday. “A little over half of [the 4.8%] are temporary rates that the Utilities Commission is now reviewing, the other half comes from a federal tax refund that is set to expire on June 1,” said Duke Energy spokesperson Bill Norton. Norton said the company had a federal tax rate they were paying. That rate was later decreased. Once that happened, customers were refunded.
Get ready: Duke Energy increasing rates by 4.8% starting this Thursday
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Duke Energy customers’ rates will be increasing by 4.8% starting this Thursday. “A little over half of [the 4.8%] are temporary rates that the Utilities Commission is now reviewing, the other half comes from a federal tax refund that is set to expire on June 1st,” said Duke Energy spokesperson Bill Norton. Norton said the company had a federal tax rate they were paying. That rate was later decreased. Once that happened, customers were refunded.
Is your teen interested in leadership? Greenville Cadet Program to return
Greenville Youth Cadet Program (WNCT photo) Greenville Youth Cadet Program (WNCT photo) Read Less GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The Pitt-Greenville Composite Squadron is bringing back its Youth Cadet Program. Anyone between the ages of 12-18 who is interested in drones, search and rescue, aviation and cyber security is encouraged to sign up. The program works with teens on leadership, aerospace, character development and fitness.
Memorial Day remembrances held all over ENC
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The last Monday of May is observed each year as Memorial Day. There were ceremonies held all over Eastern North Carolina to mark the day and what it means. Greenville The main message was to remember and honor the more than one million Americans who have lost their lives while serving our country. Man of those who gave their all were from places like Greenville and around ENC.
Rolling Thunder vets remember POW/MIA service members during Memorial Day
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Rolling Thunder is an organization that brings attention to American prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. Sunday’s event invited veterans to ride motorcycles escorted by police in honor of POW/MIA armed forces. Organization officials said they want people to know about American prisoners of war that were left behind and help protect future veterans from the same fate.
House fire in Kinston sends one to hospital
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — One person was injured after a house fire started in Kinston Sunday afternoon. Officials said the fire started at a home on the corner of Washington Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard around 1:30 p.m. Only one person was in the home. Crews said a woman, who was not identified, was being treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.
Rainy conditions in ENC mark Memorial Day weekend
WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) — WNCT’s meteorologists have been predicting this Memorial Day weekend to be a washout. So far, it’s looking that way. “It’s unfortunate to think about Memorial Day weekend as the beginning of summer, certainly doesn’t look much like summer now,” said Washington Waterfront Dock Attendant, John Rodman.
NCDOT: Memorial Day weekend travel, 100 deadliest days, new NC by train schedule
RALEIGH, N.C. – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department’s weekly newscast. 100 Deadliest Days Memorial Day marks the start of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. That’s the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the number of deadly crashes involving teen drivers typically rises. More people, including young teenage drivers, travel during this time.
All recreational sites pass first Swim Guide test of the season
WASHINGTON [May 26, 2023] — All sites on the lower Neuse and Tar-Pamlico passed the first Swim Guide test of the season, but swimmers still need to take caution this Memorial Day weekend. “While all the sites we sampled met state and federal recreational water-quality standards this week, keep in mind that any time we have a heavy rain, once that rain hits the ground, it’s picking up pollution and running into the closest waterway,” said Clay Barber, Sound Rivers’ Program Director.
Groundbreaking ceremony welcomes future science facility to ENC
GRIFTON, N.C. (WNCT) — The NC Museum of Natural History and A Time for Science came together for a groundbreaking ceremony for a future building that will bring education and fun closer to you. The new building will be known as the Nancy and John Bray Environmental Education and Visitor Center. Officials said the new facility will offer quality educational programming, new experiences and opportunities to the people of Eastern North Carolina.
How to be safe around water this summer
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Swimming and boating season is here and officials warn the public about being safe around water. “First make sure that you don’t swim alone, if you have a child with you make sure that they’re wearing a life jacket or some sort of live-saving device if they don’t know how to swim,” said Aquaventure manager Josh Hocum.
Memorial Day air travel outlook in Eastern NC looks to be busy again
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Memorial Day marks the start of summer travel season in the United States, and local airports are preparing for the travel surge. Bill Hopper, Pitt-Greenville Regional Airport director, said they get relatively busy during this time but warns travelers that the real concern is returning to PGV from bigger airports.
Suspect arrested in shooting that injured man found on J.H. Rose campus
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Greenville police report a 19-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with a late Wednesday morning shooting at one of J.H. Rose High School’s recreational fields. Shamel Rashad Arrington is facing charges of Attempted First Degree Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. He was being transported to the Pitt County Detention Center and would be held there under a yet-to-be-determined bond.
Texas Rangers sell Down East Wood Ducks; Report: Team will move to Spartanburg, S.C.
ARLINGTON, Texas (WNCT) — The Texas Rangers on Tuesday announced the sale of two of its minor league affiliates, the Down East Wood Ducks and the Hickory Crawdads. The Rangers announced the sale of both teams to Diamond Baseball Holdings, an organization that owns and operates several Minor League teams connected to Major League Baseball. The press release was first posted by Lenoir County Public Information Officer Bryan Hanks on his Facebook page.
NC event focuses on stories of Holocaust survivors
Posted: May 22, 2023 / 08:24 AM EDT Updated: May 22, 2023 / 08:24 AM EDT GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Religious leaders and local activists gathered early Saturday evening at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greenville to tell the important stories of Holocaust survivors. This was a preview of the curriculum that will soon be taught in schools across the state, following the new law requiring Holocaust education in middle and high schools.
Never too old: NC 65-year-old qualifies for national CrossFit event
Posted: May 22, 2023 / 08:21 AM EDT Updated: May 22, 2023 / 08:21 AM EDT WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) — A Beaufort County senior is proving it is never too late to reach your goals. Fred Cherry, 65, of Washington, qualified for the 2023 Nobull Crossfit Games in Madison, Wisconsin. Cherry has trained at Fitness Unlimited and BOCO CrossFit for almost 10 years to reach this goal. (Contributed photo) “As long as you want it bad enough, you can go and get it.
Event focuses on stories of holocaust survivors
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Religious leaders and local activists gathered early Saturday evening at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to tell the important stories of holocaust survivors. This was a preview of the curriculum that will soon be taught in schools across the state, following the new law requiring holocaust education in middle and high schools. Event organizers said this is important to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.
Final day of Kings of Q event takes place in Ayden
AYDEN, N.C. (WNCT) — The final day of the Kings of Q BBQ Cook-Out and Festival took place on Saturday. The day started at 8 a.m. with the Hog Jog 5K race. Event coordinators said the weather wasn’t ideal for Day 2 of the festival but they were glad that people still came out to check out the different vendors. “You know the rain hurt us a little bit (Friday) and we did have a pretty good outpouring this morning,” said Mallory Denham.
Greenville Police Department participates in Torch Run for Special Olympics
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The Greenville Police Department held its Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics of North Carolina, early Saturday morning. First responders and their families ran from the East Zone Substation on East 10th Street to GPD Headquarters in Uptown Greenville. The run brings law enforcement and the community together to raise awareness and funds for people with special needs. Jonathan Willis is an avid runner and North Carolina Special Olympian.
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